Steinberger Q

In 1986 after the acquisition of Gibson who became the new big boss, ask Ned to achieve its revolutionary concept of low cheaper than its big brother Standard L. Thus was born the Q Series N.
Made in the US and it still in the former studio of Mr. Ned Steinberger in Newburgh .. is probably one of the last manufactured over there because I think in 90 years there has been a bit of a transition in this model when Steinberger party for new shops nashville tennessee.

serial numbers of Newburgh Q always begin with an "N" followed by numbers, while the second generation xq, and xq2 xq25 begin with TN (Tennessee).
according to its number, mine is a good series "N" made in US, 1990 (youpie..)

is a 24 frets (as well as replacing a 25th scillet)

the bridge is not a "Steinberger DB system", but a "Steinberg" original. (Namely that the bridge had been built by subcontractors)
2 EMG active pickups (1x9 V) specially designed for Steinberg, and impossible to switch to liability for this model, two volumes, and "single tone" exactly the same electronics as the L series


UTILIZATION


The neck is graphite and it is a dream, a precision and accuracy incredible access to high pitched and it very easily from beginning to end ..
it is incredibly easy.

the body of the first generation Q is maple, which for the purists is the total Erese, "a Steinberger with a wooden body, the devil is among us!" this will give more weight unfortunately a bit more substantial (but definitely not I find disturbing), yet this am saying heavyweight Maple famously played on the sound, which moreover is hippies hot, powerful and precise, an excellent cocktail .
have obtained excellent sound very easy, for it does not against a wide range because very typical, but with effects or a finger that will be clean, you can say it is very versatile ..

unfortunately it is too low at the time new and not mature enough for some "purists" because of its weight, others will also talk about a problem of balance, it throws a bit heads ( I personally prefer that than not .. it'll come back ..)

quickly to address the problem'm saying, and at the request of "Gibson" (which became the new Boss of the great Ned) of the bodys XQ2 and 25 will be made in lighter wood such as ash and that for the delight of "never happy" that eventually end up with less punchy peeled and itchy nose! bin so graphite is now too heavy for these small light body (electronics also undergoes some changes) ..

Let's face it, Gibson would have done better to leave the instrument in its original design for the great Ned knew what he was doing, it is just lighter models that followed that made this wonderful coffee "a bad loved ".. (Which would have surely overshadow other giants)


SOUNDS

it is suitable for all styles .. I am a strong advocate of "JazzBass" and thought that was the best bass JazzBass the world .. Well no, I think the Q (N) exceeds the sound issue and accuracy .. yes I know the worshipers of Fender will burn me alive .. sorry .. sorry .. but a graphite shaft on maple body, with active pickups, well yes it mind-blowing!

the last Jazz bass I designed and built is a real massacre, yet this little Q holds the road better. Mr. Fender you were the greatest among the larger and your work will be remembered, but the technology advance and nothing will stop it ..

Ed Roman is that even the design of this low "the most horrible of all the creations of Ned," will recognize, however, that the sound is excellent.

Ned what a true genius, the great shame that Gibson changed the destiny of this girl who had everything a great ..

if I do not use effects ..


OVERALL OPINION

I used + - 3 years and then selling it (reluctantly) because of an urgent need for money ... (But why I did it ??!!)
Then for more than ten years, I asked her ex to get new owner to resell it as it was not using it (because no bassist), he will eventually give in, I was able to buy it and pay more expensive than I had sold .. (No regrets for I confess that there was also a sentimental side) ..

back home, the poor will have to undergo some repairs at the mail, and his painting was unfortunately very damaged (my punishment) for years without maintenance left behind a door by the new owner ex .. The violin is on the other hand and is perfect ..
as a whole, it is beautiful, reliable, solid as a whole and Fisheries of hell! this is my bass and I do NOT separate more!

if you find one, do not hesitate as prices begin to rise, some we understand what is this "violin" ..
The old Q "N Series" is a great value! Hurry!
I mean a Nxxxxx .. TNxxxxx or not a # n # tnxxx, which remain cepeda very good bass, but the N are the N!



The pros: I said the main ..

The least -: just strap attachments which were sources of real plastic crap, Gibson will replace the fasteners nikel (which I also on mine)
This does not play bass in active and it is absolutely necessary to unplug the jack if you do not want the battery wears out. (I have a small switch mounted at the exit of the stack)

Conclusions: At the time (1994) I paid Used + EUR 600 (it was still the Belgian franc), but increasingly now, I see the "second generation" (TN ) that are trading at more than 1000 euros ..
I think this kind of low-Q series N, would be good without a little exaggeration Eur 1500 (depending on the state of course)
note: there is not so long ago I saw one of the first Q (N) of 1988 "signed" by the hand of Steinberger himself and on sale at Ed Roman in 3500 to + USD
(Ed Roman in Las Vegas, have purchased all the old stock US Steinberger, in my opinion is the best place to find a quality, and it is + shipments)

Overall opinion: now there are still better than most, so I will give just a 9.5 / 10
if I came back, I do it again this choice without hesitation!!